Chromosome
A set of related genes. You define chromosomes in the Optimization Settings window.
Complement
The theoretical genetic opposite of an individual. Genetic complements are made from the least fit individuals in the hopes of creating a fit individual. The number of complements added per generation can be controlled via the optimization settings.
Father
An individual which contributed genetic material for the purpose of creating another individual. In Optimax, there is no difference between a mother and a father.
Fitness
A floating-point number from -1E300 to +1E300 representing the desirability of a strategy's equity curve. It is usually the result of a user calculation within the strategy. You pass this value from the strategy to Optimax at the end of each iteration. Positive values are considered fit; negative values are unfit.
Gene
An input used during an optimization. You define genes in the Optimization Settings window.
Generation
A set of individuals generated during an optimization run.
Individual
One particular combination of inputs for a strategy. Optimax generates individuals during an optimization run and evaluates the fitness of each by passing the inputs to TradeStation.
Input Space
The conceptual mathematical area covered by all possible permutations of a set of inputs as described in the input options for an optimization run. Numerically, it is expressed as a one-dimensional scalar value. Graphically, it is displayed by the Input Space Indicator using a set of parallel vertical lines whose offset within the indicator indicate the relative position of the input combination within the entire input space.
Input Space Indicator
An indicator which graphically displays the distribution of input combinations evaluated so far within one optimization run. See also: Input Space.
ISpace
See: Input Space.
ISpace Indicator
See: Input Space Indicator.
Lineage
The information tracing the ancestry of an individual.
Mother
An individual which contributed genetic material for the purpose of creating another individual. In Optimax, there is no difference between a mother and a father.
OMX
A short form for the word "Optimax."
Roulette Selection
A mating selection method in which individuals are chosen with at random with a probability proportional to each individual's fitness.
Search Space
In purpose it is similar to an Input Space, but has a more complex expression. Numerically, it is expressed as a two-dimensional value and graphically it is expressed using a combination heat map/scatter plot. The X/Y coordinates of the plot represent individuals and generations, and the color of each point represents the fitness.
Search Space Indicator
An indicator which graphically displays the distribution of input combinations evaluated within one optimization run, graphically depicting input combinations having the highest fitness values. See also: Search Space.
SSpace
See: Search Space.
SSpace Indicator
See: Search Space Indicator.
Tournament Selection
A mating selection method in which a number of individuals are chosen at random to compete in a tournament. The individual with the highest fitness wins the tournament and goes on to mate.